Movies have long captivated audiences with tales of gunslingers, bank robbers, and wise guys, fueling our fascination with those who live outside the law. Crime stories existed long before cinema, and they were among the first genres to be adapted into films. For those eager to dive into a world where tough individuals forge their own paths and live by their own rules, we present a curated list of the best mafia movies of all time.
Organized crime, a hallmark of the 20th century, naturally found its way into films, mirroring the rise of mob syndicates across the country. Legendary filmmakers like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese have become synonymous with the genre due to their masterful storytelling, while other esteemed directors have also contributed significantly to the canon of mafia cinema.
Below, you'll find a mix of films featuring historical mobsters, the law enforcement officers who pursued them, and compelling works of fiction designed to entertain and enthrall. Here are our selections of the 15 best mafia movies ever, presented in no particular order.
The 15 Best Mafia Movies
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Best Spy MoviesBest Thriller MoviesBest Netflix MoviesGoodfellas (1990)
Image credit: Warner Bros.Director: Martin Scorsese | Writer: Martin Scorsese, Nicholas Pileggi | Stars: Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci | Release Date: September 19, 1990 | Review: IGN's Goodfellas review | Where to Watch: Included with HBO Max subscription, rent from Amazon, Apple TV, and most platforms
Kicking off our list is Martin Scorsese's iconic film, Goodfellas, often hailed as one of the greatest mob movies ever made, second perhaps only to The Godfather series. Spanning decades, this film chronicles the rise and fall of mob associate Henry Hill, portrayed by Ray Liotta. With Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci delivering unforgettable performances, Goodfellas is a gritty, immersive experience that showcases the best of Scorsese's storytelling prowess.
Donnie Brasco (1997)
Image credit: Sony PicturesDirector: Mike Newell | Writer: Paul Attanasio | Stars: Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Michael Madsen | Release Date: February 28, 1997 | Review: IGN's Donny Brasco review | Where to watch: Rent from Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and more
Mike Newell's Donnie Brasco offers a gripping portrayal of an FBI agent, played by Johnny Depp, who infiltrates the Bonanno crime family. Al Pacino delivers a nuanced performance as Lefty, the seasoned mobster who unwittingly befriends the undercover agent. Based on a true story, the film provides a unique perspective on the mafia world, blending tension and authenticity.
A Most Violent Year (2014)
Image credit: A24Director: J. C. Chandor | Writer: J. C. Chandor | Stars: Oscar Isaac, Jessica Chastain, David Oyelowo | Release Date: December 31, 2014 | Where to watch: Rent from Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, FlixFling, and more
A Most Violent Year, directed by J. C. Chandor, offers a modern take on the mafia genre. Set during 1981, New York City's most crime-ridden year, the film follows Abel Morales, portrayed by Oscar Isaac, as he navigates the treacherous waters of a corrupt industry while trying to maintain his integrity. With Jessica Chastain and David Oyelowo delivering strong supporting performances, this film is a compelling thriller that captures the era's turmoil.
Miller's Crossing (1990)
Image credit: 20th Century FoxDirector: Joel Coen | Writer: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen | Stars: Gabriel Byrne, Marcia Gay Harden, John Turturro | Release Date: September 22, 1990 | Where to watch: Rent from Amazon, Apple TV, and more
The Coen brothers' Miller's Crossing transports viewers to the Prohibition era, delivering a stylized and noir-inspired take on organized crime. Gabriel Byrne stars as Tom, a conflicted mob lieutenant caught in the middle of a gang war. With its sharp dialogue and memorable performances, including those by Albert Finney and John Turturro, this film stands out as a unique entry in the genre.
Casino (1995)
Image credit: Universal PicturesDirector: Martin Scorsese | Writer: Martin Scorsese, Nicholas Pileggi | Stars: Robert DeNiro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci | Release Date: November 22, 1995 | Review: IGN's Casino review | Where to watch: Stream with AMC Plus, rent from Amazon, Apple TV, and more
Another Scorsese masterpiece, Casino reunites Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, this time portraying characters inspired by real-life figures in the Las Vegas underworld. Sharon Stone's Oscar-nominated performance adds depth to this epic tale of ambition, betrayal, and the dark side of the American Dream. Casino stands tall as a worthy successor to Goodfellas, showcasing Scorsese's unparalleled ability to depict the mafia life.
City of God (2002)
Image credit: MiramaxDirector: Fernando Meirelles, Kátia Lund | Writer: Bráulio Mantovani | Stars: Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino Da Hora, Jonathan Haagensen | Release Date: August 30, 2002 (Brazil) | Review: IGN's City of God review | Where to watch: Rent on Amazon, Apple TV, and more
City of God, a Brazilian crime drama, offers a raw and unflinching look at the rise of organized crime in Rio de Janeiro's slums. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund, the film's authenticity is enhanced by its use of local non-actors. Spanning decades, this gripping narrative has left a lasting impact on global cinema and spawned a successful TV series.
The Untouchables (1987)
Image credit: Paramount PicturesDirector: Brian De Palma | Writer: David Mamet | Stars: Kevin Costner, Charles Martin Smith, Andy Garcia | Release Date: June 3, 1987 | Review: IGN's The Untouchables review | Where to watch: Paramount+, Hoopla, or rentable on most platforms
Brian De Palma's The Untouchables is a thrilling, somewhat stylized depiction of Eliot Ness's crusade against Al Capone in 1930s Chicago. With Kevin Costner leading a team of incorruptible lawmen, and Robert De Niro delivering a captivating performance as Capone, the film blends action and drama effectively. Sean Connery's Oscar-winning role adds further depth to this classic.
The Departed (2006)
Image credit: Warner Bros. PicturesDirector: Martin Scorsese | Writer: William Monahan | Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson | Release Date: October 6, 2006 | Review: IGN's The Departed review | Where to watch: Rent on Amazon and most platforms
The Departed, a remake of the Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs, is a gripping tale of moles and loyalty set in Boston's criminal underworld. Martin Scorsese expertly weaves a complex narrative around Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon's characters, with Jack Nicholson delivering a menacing performance as the crime boss. The film's ensemble cast, including Mark Wahlberg and Vera Farmiga, adds to its compelling nature.
Eastern Promises (2007)
Image credit: Focus FeaturesDirector: David Cronenberg | Writer: Steven Knight | Stars: Viggo Mortensen, Naomi Watts, Vincent Cassel | Release Date: September 14, 2007 | Review: IGN's Eastern Promises review | Where to watch: Paramount+, rentable on most platforms
David Cronenberg's Eastern Promises is a dark and intense exploration of the Russian mafia in London. Viggo Mortensen delivers a powerful performance as a mob enforcer caught between loyalty and morality, while Naomi Watts adds emotional depth as a midwife trying to protect a baby. The film's brutal realism, highlighted by a memorable bathhouse fight scene, sets it apart in the genre.
The Godfather (1972)
Image credit: Paramount PicturesDirector: Francis Ford Coppola | Writer: Francis Ford Coppola, Mario Puzo | Stars: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan | Release Date: March 24, 1972 | Review: IGN's The Godfather review | Where to watch: Stream on Paramount+, or rent on Amazon and most platforms.
The Godfather is often regarded as the pinnacle of mafia cinema. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on Mario Puzo's novel, this film broke records and set new standards for storytelling. With Marlon Brando's iconic performance as Vito Corleone and Al Pacino's transformation from outsider to ruthless leader, The Godfather remains a timeless classic.
The Godfather Part 2 (1974)
Image credit: Paramount PicturesDirector: Francis Ford Coppola | Writer: Francis Ford Coppola, Mario Puzo | Stars: Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton | Release Date: December 20, 1974 | Review: IGN's The Godfather Part 2 review | Where to watch: Stream on Paramount+ and FuboTV, or rent on Amazon and most platforms.
The Godfather Part 2 is not just a sequel but a parallel narrative that delves into the past and present of the Corleone family. Al Pacino returns as Michael, now the Don, facing betrayal and power struggles, while Robert De Niro's portrayal of young Vito Corleone traces the family's origins. This film's depth and ambition make it a worthy companion to its predecessor.
Road to Perdition (2002)
Image credit: DreamWorks PicturesDirector: Sam Mendes | Writer: David Self | Stars: Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Jude Law | Release Date: July 12, 2002 | Review: IGN's Road to Perdition review | Where to watch: Paramount+, or rentable on most platforms
Road to Perdition, directed by Sam Mendes, is a visually stunning and emotionally charged tale of an Irish mob enforcer, played by Tom Hanks, on the run with his son after a betrayal. With Paul Newman and Jude Law delivering standout performances, the film blends elements of a father-son road trip with a gritty revenge story, set against the backdrop of the Great Depression.
Scarface (1932)
Image credit: United ArtistsDirector: Howard Hawks | Writer: W.R. Burnett, John Lee Mahin, Seton I. Miller, Ben Hecht | Stars: Paul Muni, Ann Dvorak, Osgood Perkins | Release Date: April 9, 1932 | Where to watch: Rent on Amazon and most platforms
Howard Hawks' Scarface is a landmark film inspired by the rise of Al Capone. Starring Paul Muni as the ambitious gangster Tony Camonte, the film's bold style and gripping narrative made it a controversial yet influential piece of early cinema. While the 1983 remake is well-known, the original remains a significant entry in the genre.
The Irishman (2019)
Image credit: NetflixDirector: Martin Scorsese | Writer: Steven Zaillian | Stars: Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci | Release Date: November 1, 2019 | Review: IGN's The Irishman review | Where to watch: Netflix
Martin Scorsese's The Irishman, a Netflix original, offers a reflective look at the life of a mob hitman, played by Robert De Niro, and his relationship with the notorious Teamster Jimmy Hoffa, portrayed by Al Pacino. With Joe Pesci returning to the screen, this film explores themes of regret and loneliness, presenting a mature and nuanced take on the mafia genre.
American Gangster (2007)
Image credit: Universal PicturesDirector: Ridley Scott | Writer: Steven Zaillian | Stars: Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Josh Brolin | Release Date: November 2, 2007 | Review: IGN's American Gangster review | Where to watch: Starz Apple TV Channel, rentable on most platforms.
Ridley Scott's American Gangster tells the story of Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas, portrayed by Denzel Washington, and the detective, played by Russell Crowe, determined to bring him down. With its strong performances and compelling narrative, the film offers a fresh perspective on the drug trade and law enforcement in 1970s New York.
AnswerSee ResultsThose are our picks of the best mafia movies ever – in no particular order. Did your favorite make the cut? If not, rather than leaving a horse head in our bed, let us know your top picks in the comments.
